Ministers share thoughts on what we can learn from Christmas message

By CHRISTOPHER SMITH

In the quiet of Christmastime, there is a message that gives meaning to life, local ministers said.

“God has come to us taking complete vulnerability in order to show us how to live,” the Rev. Bob Madsen, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, said. “If we look at the life of Jesus we can begin to change the way we live our life to mirror his and live it to the best ability as God’s holy creation.”

Madsen would like to invite every one to the Christmas Eve service that includes communion, which is open to everyone that comes. The service starts at 5:30 p.m. His favorite service during the holidays is the Christmas Eve service, which includes lessons and carols.

The Rev. Cynthia Carter Howard of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church said, “The meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of a baby 2000 years ago. To sum it up, babies’ births make a difference. If this one baby hadn’t been born, then the babies born now wouldn’t be as significant.

“The holiday season makes us think about these questions, how has Jesus’ birth made a difference in our world? How can we make a difference following in his footsteps? Jesus Christ’ birth has made such a big impact on the entire world that it gives purpose to each baby that lives today. He died for our sins and continues to give us all hope.”

The Christmas Eve service for St. Mary’s will be at 5:30 p.m.

The Rev. David McMillan of St. Michael’s Anglican Church in North America said, “Mary gave birth as a virgin so if we think logically about the situation then Jesus’ father had to be divine; therefore, making Jesus divine. He took away our sins by becoming human like us and dying on the cross. During Christmas we celebrate his birth and the gift of God’s peace that one day we will be divine like him.”

St. Michael’s Christmas Eve service will be at 7:30 p.m. on December 24th.